Assemblymember Curren Price (D-Inglewood) announced today that Assembly Bill 30 passed off of the Assembly Floor with a vote of 46–27.Â AB 30 will allow 16-year-olds to pre-register to vote.Â

Specifically, AB 30 would allow any person who has reached their 16th birthday to fill out a voter registration card just as any eligible voter does. This information would be retained until the person turns 18.Â As each pre-registrant turns 18, the information submitted would be used to automatically activate their voter registration.

“Research shows that early civic engagement in the electoral process leads to lifelong involvement in the democratic process,” said Assemblymember Price.Â “Facilitating participation by younger voters empowers and engages our youth and ultimately strengthens our entire political process.”

According to the Secretary of State, more than 7.2 million eligible voters in California are not registered to vote–nearly one-third of California’s eligible voters.Â According to a 2006 Public Policy Institute (PPIC) Study, only 58 percent of 18-24 year-olds registered to vote, compared with over 90 percent of Californians over the age of 65.Â While participation has increase in the last few elections, California still ranks 36th in the nation for turnout among young voters.

“We need only look at the revolution that has occurred during the 2008 Presidential Elections to understand how eager our youth have been to play an active role in their government, and how much their participation can influence the future of politics in our country.” Mr. Price said.

Subscribe to The Los Angeles Sentinel for only $5.99$3.99 per month, with 1 month free!

Relax in comfort each week as you read the printed newspaper on your own time, delivered weekly to your home or office. This subscription also includes UNLIMITED DIGITAL ACCESS for all of your devices. Includes FREE shipping! One easy payment of $3.99/month gets you: